She wraps herself around me and holds on.
A part of me deep inside wobbles. Aching and horrified by what we’ve had to endure, but with her here, with her lips on mine, I know everything is going to be okay.
We will be okay.
Chapter 46
Ronit
Leviathan wraps himself around us and suddenly moves towards the surface of the ocean. Faster and faster, until he breaks through, sending us all up and flying into the air, only to be caught by another wave.
It reminds me of all those years ago. With her on the beach, hunting. We have come so far.
Leaf changes shape and launches into the waves, diving and cutting in and out, teasing and playing with us.
But my eyes are for her. I float on the surface, watching as she smiles and spins around in the rise and fall of those immense waves. Her hair glints silver blond, her skin is pale but full of dancing runes.
She is Mei.
My throat tightens.
She did what I didn’t think she could or even would. I hoped she would live a happy life. I didn’t even let myself believe she would come.
She’s smiling, feeling everyone around her, but when she feels me, she turns, and her smile dims before it vanishes.
I move towards her, pulling us together, and cup the side of her face.
“You were supposed to be free,” I whisper against her lips.
The wave crests, and we drop down into a trough.
“I am free and happy and yours.”
I kiss her, gently, trying to show her exactly how I feel. Her hands wrap around my neck, and her tail winds around mine.
“You came back for us.”
“Of course. You are mine, and I am yours,” she whispers. “Ronit. I couldn’t live without you. There was no choice for me but you.”
“I am yours,” I whisper against her lips, “and you are mine,” I confirm. “Mei-”
Lirin crashes into us, hugging her from behind, followed by Reed, Brio, Leaf, Canto, and the little cat, Kit.
“Group hug!” Lirin says quietly, and I notice he buries his face in her shoulder so she doesn’t notice the tears in his voice.
I stare at the faces of my shiver.
The world tried to break us, over and over.
We’re still here.
Stronger than we were before.
They couldn’t break us, and they can’t tear us apart.
“I need to show you something,” Mei says.
We all back off as she opens the worlds. My heart lurches; she’s not leaving us. She can’t. But Mei turns, holding out her hand.
